Today, the Orthodox Church commemorates Saints Eulampius and Eulampia, their brothers, the 200 martyrs with them, and Saint Theophilos.
Saint Theophilos the Confessor was raised with strong Christian principles, avoiding hypocrisy and falsehood.
As a young man, he visited monk Stephen, who guided him in his spiritual journey and taught him the ways of authentic monkhood, detached from worldly desires. With the support of his parents, he established a monastery on Mount Selenteia, where he led a devout monastic life.
During the rule of the iconoclast emperor Leo the Isaurian, Theophilos left the monastery to preach Orthodoxy and offer counsel to the faithful. His actions led to his imprisonment, where he endured brutal beatings and torture. Despite the suffering, he remained steadfast in his faith and returned to the monastery after facing martyrdom, receiving a warm welcome from his fellow monks. He passed away peacefully at the monastery.
Key virtues for a committed Christian include faith, trust in God’s plan, patience, courage, perseverance, and love for both God and humanity. These virtues are essential for navigating the challenges of the modern world, especially for young individuals in today’s “postmodern” society.
Source: Church of Cyprus